South Park - TV-MA

Outrageous humor with a message. NOT for kids.

TV Rating: TV-MA Network: Comedy Central, UPN Cast: Isaac Hayes, Matt Stone, Trey Parker Genre: Comedy
Available on: DVDDownload

Common Sense Note

Parents should know that this show, while animated, isn't meant for kids. There's constant swearing, cartoon violence, potty humor, jokes about sexuality, and mocking of authority figures. One character is made fun of for being physically and developmentally disabled, another for his weight. One of the main characters dies in each episode. People of every race, class, gender, religion, and credo are parodied, albeit usually with the intent of proving a point against hypocrisy and political correctness. Episodes aired in syndication have been edited for content to meet network broadcasting standards.

Families can talk about what life is really like as a fashion photographer. Is the fashion industry as glamorous as it seems? How different are its standards from the real world? Which is more valued -- inner or outer beauty? Why? And for that matter, who's deciding how beauty is defined? How do the fashion industry's values trickle down to popular culture?

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Common Sense Review

Reviewed By: Marjorie Kase

Brought to you by gross-out impresarios Matt Stone and Trey Parker, SOUTH PARK is an animated show featuring the bizarre exploits of four foul-mouthed elementary school children.

Cartman is obnoxious, racist, anti-Semitic, overweight, spoiled, and selfish; Stan is earnest and afraid of girls (especially Wendy Testaberger, whose mere presence provokes vomit); Kyle is Jewish and confused about his identity, which isn't helped by Cartman's constant insults; and Kenny (R.I.P.) is mysteriously killed off in each episode under dubious circumstances. Insanity (and inanity) prevails in the boys' small mountain town as it's constantly overcome by strange events involving celebrities, the supernatural, and the just plain weird. Cows are abducted by aliens, snowmen go on killing sprees, and a piece of excrement teaches kids about the spirit of Christmas.

Shocking, offensive and hilarious, South Park continues to undermine authority with its creative and insightful critiques of the media, politics, and celebrity hype. Occasionally, the show's point gets muddled in its outrageousness, but, for the most part, it's still as fresh as it was in its first few years.

South Park includes very mature content that is inappropriate for kids and young teens. Parents should be aware that the show requires a certain level of sophistication to understand its essential message. They may want to pre-screen the show and watch episodes with their teens to provoke further discussion on the issues being addressed.

Fans of South Park may want to check out the feature film based on the show (South Park: Bigger Longer & Uncut) as well as a special DVD release of South Park: The Passion of the Jew. Other shows featuring the same brand of humor include The Simpsons, Family Guy and Crank Yankers.

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Content		CS	adults	kids
Content
Sexual Content Jokes about hermaphrodites, homosexuality, promiscuity, and more. Plotlines usually involve at least some sexually related content.
Violence Mainly cartoon violence; none of it is scary. One character, Kenny, dies in each episode, usually in a brutal fashion.
Language Fourth-graders swear like sailors, spouting racist, homophobic, and anti-semitic slurs. Even "s--t" airs unbleeped -- though syndicated versions of the show censor that and a lot of other words.
Message
	Social Behavior The show uses gross-out humor to address serious issues. Audience members are meant to see past offensive content in favor of its socio-political commentary. One character, Cartman, is the embodiment of selfish egotism, and none of the children should be considered role models.
	Commercialism
	Drug/Alcohol/Tobacco Characters who use drugs (illegal and prescription) and alcohol are usually portrayed in a negative light.